Wealth Management Services
Wealth Management Services
Core Wealth Management Services
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Once we decide to take on a client, we bring to bear the full scope of our services through a formal interview and planning process. We collaborate with your other trusted advisors (CPA, attorneys, etc.) to customize a plan that helps you achieve your goals with the least amount of risk and in the most tax-efficient manner. Our core Wealth Management Services are outlined below.
Portfolio Management
αlpha Financial Partners has a well-defined and disciplined process in place to oversee client portfolios as their investment fiduciary. αlpha Financial Partners meets quarterly to review an internal list of key market and economic indicators which then guide any changes that need to be made in the subsequent quarter. Anchored by our core allocation parameters across US Large Cap, US Mid Cap, US Small Cap, International Equity Indexes along with Bond Index ETF’s, the team has discretion to overweight or underweight certain asset classes based upon our interpretation of our key market indicators. Strategic satellite (non-core) allocations are often instituted as a result of these indicators. Index funds and ETFs are utilized as much as possible to minimize fees and taxation. For non-retirement accounts, an emphasis on minimizing capital gains taxes is vital, therefore a disciplined “tax aware” strategy is applied by way of tax loss harvesting as opportunities present themselves. Through sub-advisors, we also have access to Direct Indexing managers looking to maximize tax efficiencies for clients. We also run a 40-45 US Large Cap stock portfolio for clients who wish to know exactly what they own or have a propensity towards individual equities, or potentially have numerous low basis, legacy holdings that an diversified portfolio can be built around. Finally, for a select group of clients who fit the profile and meet SEC accredited investor rules, less liquid alternative investments (such as vetted private real estate, private equity, private credit, and hedge funds are able to be included in portfolios with the goal of achieving superior returns over time with less volatility. To learn more about our investment process and active management, contact us directly for a copy of our quarterly Investment Pitchbook including a list of trades through the most recent quarter. Note that αlpha Financial Partners, LLC is a SEC registered, fee-based investment fiduciary, thus we are not eligible to receive commissions on trades and cover all trading fees on behalf of our clients so you can invest confidently that we are acting prudently on your behalf to grow your hard-earned money while doing our level best to mitigate losses.
The seven guiding principles behind our portfolio management are as follows:
- As Fiduciaries, our client's best interests must come before our own
- Clients that hire us expect full transparency and “active” management
- Clients who take stock market level risk, expect stock market-like performance
- The US Stock Market is uber-efficient whereas international Markets are less so
- Momentum is a key driver to outperformance in today's fast-paced markets
- Asset Allocation and Diversification enhances returns and reduces risk over the long term
- Fees and taxes matter
Financial Planning
The very first step to achieving your goals is to write them down. By creating a financial plan, we obtain an intimate knowledge of our client's nuances, goals, and fears. Much in the same manner as a physician, we can only prudently prescribe treatment if we have all the required data. By collaborating with your trusted tax and legal partners, we are able to simplify your financial complexity and create a customized plan to help you achieve your life and legacy goals. This process is customized to our clients and is largely driven by their values and stage of life. New graduates, or young couples have different needs than retirees or mid-career families. But no matter your personal situation, we can help you develop financial habits that will lay a strong foundation for your financial future.
Younger individuals and couples have a number of benefits in terms of financial management. Low insurance costs and a long investment horizon, combined with few responsibilities, can make for an excellent financial base. We can help you build on these advantages, while at the same time considering a debt load that might include student loans, car payments, or perhaps a mortgage.
Couples planning for a first child enter into a new level of commitment—both personally and financially. Learn how to save for a child through specialized insurance and investment products, such as a Registered Education Savings plan.
Mid-career professionals typically have higher incomes than younger investors—but they also carry more responsibilities. From mortgage payments to a child’s education, consider a financial plan that balances your needs and obligations.
Retirees have worked hard at their careers, and now is the time for relaxation and doing those things you put off because work got in the way, maybe traveling or a hobby. Chances are children have moved from home, the mortgage is mostly paid off and a few investments are coming to fruition. However, income levels may have dropped after retirement. Find out how to manage your finances in a way that allows you to fully enjoy the fruits of your hard work.
No matter what your stage of life, no one hikes taxes. But through the advice of professional advisors, you can access products and services that help ease the burden. Charitable contributions, life insurance policies, and investment products can all be useful tools in an effective tax strategy. Working together, we will consider your personal situation and design a tax plan that fits your needs.
Choose from a variety of financial planning products and services, such as:
- lncome-splitting for spouses or common-law couples
- Charitable donations, which benefit important not–for–profit work and allow donors to maximize tax credits
- Life insurance products that build tax-advantaged capital for retirement
- Investment products that provide for tax benefits
Estate Planning
Preparing for succession after death is a difficult issue to discuss, but it is also an important part of any comprehensive financial plan.
We can help you and your loved ones approach estate planning in a constructive manner that ensures they avoid problems and are well cared for in the event of your death.
Whether your goal is taking care of a special needs child, benefiting a charity, or a dynasty trust to avoid probate and protect your estate against creditors and divorce, we, along with our network of trusted estate planning attorneys with educate you on your options and make sure you understand the pros and cons to construct an estate plan that is comprehensive yet flexible to change as your situation and wishes determine.
Risk Management/Insurance
Risk can come in many forms. We help identify and quantify those risks so we can plan for them. Insurance is about risk management, not risk avoidance. Insurance has taken a bad rap over the decades, but structured properly in the right product, it has the potential to provide benefits that no other financial tool can. Our internal and external insurance specialists focus on staying abreast of the ever-changing insurance landscape to insure the right products are brought to bear for our clients specific needs. Whether you are wanting to make sure you loved ones aren't burdened with a mortgage and education cost in the event of your death or protecting your retirement nest egg with a single premium long term care solution, we with clearly articulate the pros, cons, and cost so you can make the best decision for you and your loved ones.
Education Planning
According to a November 2015 report on Education and Lifetime Earnings from SSA.gov, the average person with a bachelor’s degree makes almost $1 million more in earnings over their career than one with a high school diploma. Unfortunately, however, as the cost of a college education continues to rise, outpacing the rate of inflation, it is becoming beyond the reach of most people unless they have planned early on. For people starting a college savings plan today, questions arise as to the best way to save. For such an important and long-term goal, it pays to do some research when selecting a plan.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a college savings plan. As with any savings goal, individual factors such as time horizon, risk tolerance, investment preferences, residency and tax situation need to be considered and weighed in order to select the most suitable savings plan. In addition, special consideration needs to be given to who will actually own the college funds, as the decision is likely to impact the availability of financial aid in the future. Understanding your options and starting early are the keys to funding a child or grandchild’s biggest investment opportunity, their education. We can help.